Shelton's Jason Thompson carries the ball to the endzone for a touchdown as he tries to shake Trumbull's Liam Moore, left, during high school football action in Shelton, Conn. on Thursday September 12, 2013.

Shelton's Jason Thompson carries the ball to the endzone for a touchdown as he tries to shake Trumbull's Liam Moore, left, during high school football action in Shelton, Conn. on Thursday September 12, 2013.

SHELTON -- The work ethic of Shelton senior Jason Thompson has long been respected. Whether it has been in the weight room, during conditioning drills or on the field, he has put the necessary time and effort into molding himself into one of the state's top running backs.

Over the last two years, however, Thompson's desire and hunger to improve have been tested. Consecutive season-ending shoulder injuries cost him 15 games and forced him to undergo two separate surgical procedures. He played only one quarter last season for the Gaels.

It would have been easy for Thompson to walk away from the sport. It would have been easy for him to just be happy to simply get back on the field this season.

Settling for less, however, is not in Thompson's make-up.

Instead, he worked even harder over the past several months to return. And through the first three games this season, Thompson has reaped the benefits of his labor. Healthy again, he has proven to be a dominant presence for unbeaten and 10th-ranked Shelton.

"I've always said it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Thompson said. "But I feel like without those two injuries, it wouldn't make me who I am today. I just feel like that gave me the determination to work harder than I've ever worked. And I feel if I haven't worked that hard, I wouldn't be as successful as I am right now. It's just built up to now and I'm not looking back."

Thompson, who had earned a starting job as a sophomore, dislocated his left shoulder in the fourth game of the season in 2011. He dislocated his right shoulder last season and also needed to repair a torn labrum.

Thompson enters tonight's game at Foran (7 p.m.) averaging 202 yards of offense per game this season, including 151 yards rushing.

"He hits the hole hard," Shelton coach Jeff Roy said. "He's got really good speed and he's very shifty. He's low to the ground. He makes people miss, breaks tackles and makes big plays. And he can catch the ball out of the backfield also. And last year, we just didn't have the backs that could do that."

Thompson, 5-foot-8, 185 pounds, has put on approximately 30 pounds since he underwent surgery last season. He has boosted his squat to around 425 pounds. He can bench press around 300. And he has been clocked at 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

Thompson opened the season with 189 yards rushing on 12 carries against Trumbull. He rushed for a career-high 231 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries and added 59 yards receiving on four receptions in a 49-30 win over Amity last weekend, when the Gaels generated 561 yards of total offense.

"I don't think he has a lot of weaknesses," junior quarterback Mark Piccirillo said. "So it's kind of hard to key on one thing at a time. It's like a safety valve having him back there."

Overall, Thompson has 453 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 43 carries and eight receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Modest in nature, he credits his success to the work of Shelton 's imposing offensive line -- center Trevor Searles, guards Jacob Grosso and Craig Melvin and tackles Chris Pawlowski and Matt Zelanin.

"I wouldn't be where I am now without those guys, so I've got to give them as much credit as I can," Thompson said. "They're awesome. I take them out all the time. We go out to eat ¦ the Chinese buffet in Ansonia. I got 200 yards rushing (last) Friday so now I've got to take them all out to eat on Saturday."

Tight ends Kyle Drost and Christian Federici have also played significant roles in opening holes for Thompson.

"Our line is probably our biggest improvement from last year," said the 6-3, 225-pound Drost, who is being recruited by several schools, including Pittsburgh. "A lot of guys got done what they needed to do working out in the summer, in the winter, to get where we are today."

Shelton has outscored the opposition 149-64 this season. The Gaels have led by a combined margin of 98-17 at halftime and are averaging 293.3 yards rushing and 157.3 yards receiving.

Piccirillo is 26-of-41 for 472 yards and seven touchdowns. He has also rushed for 173 yards and six touchdowns on 19 carries. Michael Pingree has rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns and has seven receptions for 107 yards. Drost has six receptions for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Kevin Robinson has three receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns.

The challenge of slowing the Gaels now rests with Foran (2-1).

"I think they're a tremendous-looking team," Foran coach Jeff Bevino said. "They do everything well. Offensively, they look like a machine. They can run the ball. They can throw the ball. The quarterback's an excellent runner. They're a very, very good club."

Bevino said that he has been impressed watching Thompson on film this week.

Thompson is unquestionably off to an exceptional start in what the Gaels hope will be a special season. Together, they believe they have the ability to win a state championship.

"I waited two years for this now," Thompson said. "So it's good to finally get my opportunity. My shoulders feel great. It's just great to be back and feeling strong. I feel like I'm less susceptible to that kind of injury because I've had both surgeries."